Gay Panic as a Murder Excuse |
 |
 |
 |
| Media Link - New York Times | ||
| Saturday, 13 November 2004 00:00 | ||
The concept of a "gay panic" disease to excuse or minimize the murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard is ludicrous. As a psychotherapist, I submit that there is no such thing. It is true that past traumas can lead to troubling, disturbing emotions. But the presence of such emotions need not lead to cold-blooded murder. Psychological trauma does not excuse immoral behavior. The traumatized person is free to seek professional help, or to find other rational actions to help cope with that emotion. Throughout history, people have done so. To reduce the charges against Shepard's killers from first-degree murder to manslaughter would have represented a huge injustice: Not only against the victim, Mr. Shepard, but also against the great majority of psychologically troubled people who do not turn into vicious killers. Let's put aside the bad psychological theories once and for all -- and stop making excuses for people who don't deserve them.
|
||
Special Feature
Featured
Shopping
Books & Booklets Audio Commentaries, Interviews & Advice Articles & Essays Coaching/Therapy Newsletter Newsletter Back Issues MerchandiseOther
Shopper and Email login
Shopping Cart
Your Cart is currently empty.
Wait for the payment page to appear after your order is confirmed. If you haven't entered your payment information, your order will not be completed. When ordering instant downloads, your shipping and credit card billing addresses must match. Problems? Call 302-539-5986 or contact Dr. Hurd.
DR. HURD'S NEW BOOK!
Click here to purchase your autographed copy!(Choose domestic or International delivery. Price includes shipping.)
Kindle Edition
Click below to purchase in KINDLE E-book format from Amazon
Daily Dose Mug
Get your official Daily Dose Coffee Mug! Click "merchandise" in the shopping menu to the left. Psychotherapy
Want to address an issue head on in a peaceful, oceanside location? Come to the beaches of Delaware for our special Reflection...by the Sea package.Stop and Think...
" Change is not merely necessary to life - it is life. "Alvin Toffler